David & Cookie Shimizu: If you do the practice, it will transform your life.

Like many men, David Shimizu, 53, began going to yoga four years ago at his wife Cookie’s request. “I had my own exercise regimen and a busy work schedule, so I was reluctant,” he says. “In the beginning, I was more concerned with the physical aspects of the practice; I thought the chanting was weird and savasana an inefficient use of time. Of course that changed.”

Cookie adds: “Yoga quickly became our favorite way to spend our newfound leisure time after our son graduated from high school and went away to college.”

For Cookie, who has been practicing for six years now, “Yoga has enhanced my physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. Physically, it’s done much more for me than personal training or any other fitness regimen I’ve tried.”

Together they agree that a good instructor is crucial. “Laura Dunn, our main teacher, has been an outstanding teacher/guide, for both the physical and spiritual aspects of our practice,” says David. “Other teachers, including Tania, and our fellow yoga students have also been very helpful.”

“When we travel, especially to cities like Los Angeles and New York, which are known for their famous yoga studios and instructors,” says Cookie, “we take classes at the studios recommended to us. We always come away with a sense that our instruction at Yoga Hawaii is second to none.”

As a physician at the Queen’s Medical Center, David believes the practice of yoga changes a person: “People say that if you do the practice, it will transform your life. It is difficult to believe, but it’s true. The practice is meditative; you focus on the flow, breathing, bandhas, drishti, and asanas, including savasana. You do the practice, listen to your teacher, and you gradually begin to change: your perception of who you are, your relationships with others, and your understanding/acceptance of your place in the universe.”

Cookie couldn’t agree more. “Mentally, yoga has given me more clarity. And emotionally, every practice leaves me feeling calmer and more at peace. I’ve only just begun to realize the spiritual benefits, but they are definitely part of the package.”

Unknowingly, David and Cookie have been an inspiration to many other practitioners at Yoga Hawaii because of their consistent dedication to their yoga practice. As Patanjali says, “You must practice for a long period, uninterrupted and with great enthusiasm,” in order to make progress on the yogic path. This lovely couple personifies that sutra.

Cookie is also known for her awesomely healthy oat-cakes-to-die-for!

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